Goldwater Peak

Goldwater Peak is the highest peak in the White Tank Mountains and can be accessed from White Tank Mountain Regional Park.  Named for the iconic Arizona senator Barry Goldwater, Goldwater Peak provides a beautiful hike for those looking to get outdoors.  This hike has minimal shade so it is better to complete this hike in the winter months to avoid the heat. 

The hike starts out of the Goat Camp Trailhead and the first few miles wind toward Goat Canyon.  This portion of the trail has minimal elevation gain but it follows a wash and has beautiful fauna lining the trail for hikers to enjoy.  The trail will turn slightly towards the southwest and at that point the trail will start ascending through Goat Canyon.  The views on this portion of the trail are spectacular and the canyon views help hikers forget about the ascending trail.  Hikers should keep their eyes out for wildlife as this is a perfect section of trail to spot Mule Deer. 

As hikers continue up the canyon the trail continues to ascend but is less steep.  The trail takes hikers through the mountains and hikers have some views of the suburbs of Phoenix but mostly of the mountains that surround them.  After 5.4 miles hikers will take a turn off the main trail.  The trail is not well marked but should look for a set of cairns to pass through.  Hikers will follow the ridgeline to a dirt road which will take them to the peak.  The connection from the main trail to the dirt road is not maintained but is an animal trail that differs from the surrounding area.  Once hikers reach the dirt road they will follow that to the summit.  The mountain does house radio towers but hikers can explore the area that is not fenced off. Hikers will then return the way they came in order to reach the trailhead.